Hank Purvis stepping into bigger role for Purdue offensive line

When there’s a burger with your last name, you have to try it. Right? Purdue offensive lineman Hank Purvis indulged in the famous peanut butter burger from Triple XXX, named after former Boilermaker All-American Duane Purvis.

The burger is an acquired taste for all, including the Boilermaker sophomore. If he had it his way, a the “Hank Purvis” burger would included double patties, double cheese, bacon, onions, mayo and lettuce.

“It’s kind of cool to have a burger that has my last name, but also Duane’s. I know Duane’s legacy here is pretty big, so I just kind of want to use my name to be able to build my own legacy on that. See if we can have two Purvis All-Americans on that banner,” Purvis said.

Purvis’ name alone will turn the heads of Purdue fans, with the association to the ex-Boilermaker great, but so should his play on the field.

When starting left guard Jalen St. John went down against Illinois, it was Purvis who had his number called. The rising sophomore has made the most of his newfound opportunity with the first team offensive line.

“I felt prepared. I mean, Coach (Vance) Vice has taught me well, Coach (Josh) Henson, they made sure that I knew all my assignments,” Purvis said. “I mean, once Chop goes down, that’s my job to step up. It’s kind of like that next man up mentality. So I was ready.”

“Coach Vice is always harping on us about that next man mentality,” Purvis said. “All 19 of us on the o-line need to be ready to step in if something happens, and Coach vice makes sure that everybody knows everything and that everybody can play every position.”

Mission accomplished.

Purvis was Purdue’s top graded offensive lineman against the Illini (74.8), and followed up that showing by holding the best pass blocking grade of any Boilermaker lineman (74.7) last weekend against Minnesota, according to Pro Football Focus data.

Not only has Purvis made an impact in the pass game, but he has helped pave the way for an emerging ground game in West Lafayette. When running to the left, and more specifically behind No. 58, Purdue amassed 113 yards on just 13 carries, according to Pro Football Focus rushing direction data.

Purdue coach Barry Odom has seen the potential for two years now, as he recruited Purvis to UNLV, and then brought him to West Lafayette out of the transfer portal this off-season. Purvis played 77 snaps as a true freshman with the Rebels a year ago, and graded out well, but has now emerged as a trusted member of the line with the Boilermakers. Prior to his stints in the lineup against Illinois and Minnesota, Purvis held the role of being the first guard off the bench for Vance Vice and company.

“I think he played a physical game. He was assignment sound, and I think he let the game come to him, not really forcing things, which was good. If you look at a number of guys, they practice for that moment when your number is called, then it’s time to go play it. And I thought Hank was an example of how you’re supposed to respond,” Odom said.

While he replaced the absent Jalen “Chop” St. John in the lineup over the last two games, the veteran lineman has helped aide in Purvis’ development, serving as a mentor of sorts over the last couple of years.

“I’ve learned a lot from Chop. I mean, Chop was kind of my mentor last year. He played tackle, but I learned a lot from him, and I’m still learning a lot from him today. He’s still helping me, like when I stepped in versus Illinois, he was on the sideline coaching me, kind of working on my eyes. So Chop, he’s got experience, and that’s something I don’t have, and so I can learn a lot,” Purvis said.

Purvis’ emergence has coincided with an improved ground game for the Boilermakers in their last two contests, rushing for over 200 yards per game against Illinois and Minnesota. That emergence of Devin Mockobee and the rushing attack provides a confidence boost for an offensive line that has struggled at times this fall.

“It boosts it tremendously. I mean, now we know that we can run the ball, and we’ve proven it to ourselves and other teams. It’ll give our offense a lot of new tools that we can use in the game now that teams are scared of our run game,” Purvis said.

The emerging sophomore just might be a part of those plans moving forward. As St. John’s status remains uncertain, Purdue could lean on Purvis in the starting lineup once more against Northwestern on Saturday afternoon.